Shrek The Musical

Curtain Call Productions were back onstage again this week with their brilliant production of Disney’s Shrek The Musical at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe. This is the third production this year from this society and the second, this month. It’s fair to say that this society are providing many opportunities for young and old throughout Cheshire to appear on stage and fall in love with our amazing hobby.

This is the third Shrek The Musical I’ve seen this year and it’s always nice to see different visions and interpretations. This production spared no expense with costumes, lighting sound, props and set. Visually, it was stunning and really helped layer the piece and enhance location and characterisation from the offset. Directed and choreographed by Joel Montague, this production was a visual treat for the eyes and ears. The storytelling and characterisation was great, and the audience were treated to a very entertaining night at the theatre.  

There are a couple of bits that didn’t quite work out, such as the sunflower field travelling scene which looked a little poor, as well as a few other bits that failed, such as the mechanical mouse. I also felt that scene changes were a little clunky and loud (I could hear it from the circle) and the curtain’s that were flown in for scenes were far too messy and really stood out (not in a good way). However, on the whole this was a successive production that entertained.

Taking the helm once again as Musical Director Malcolm Forbes-Peckham. It was no mean feat trying to conduct an orchestra that was 40% in the pit and 60% backstage in a rehearsal room, but I have to say that the orchestra were fantastic and one of the best versions of this soundtrack that I’ve heard to date. The vocals from the cast were equally brilliant and it was a pleasure to listen to the harmonies from this abundantly talented cast.

The choreography was brilliant. I am a massive fan of Joel’s choreography and the way in which he uses shaping and humour to convey lyrics and text. This is a society that has a history of being a strong dance cohort and this production showcased their obvious dance talent. Every cast member were extremely well rehearsed in timing and style. Joyous!

The lighting design was brilliant and really added layers to scenes and enhance the action. I love a good lighting plot that adds to the production and this one certainly did! Superb!

Tom Maurice and Nick Walker were in charge of sound, so you know it’s always going to be great quality and they didn’t disappoint. I can imagine how hard it is to mic a huge cast such as this, as well as finding the right balance of levels between a large orchestra (in two locations) and ensure that the audience can hear accordingly – well done to Tom and Nick once again.

The protagonist Shrek was wonderfully played by Joel Montague. Whilst Joel’s Scottish brogue was a little hit and miss for me, his acting, comedic line delivery and singing was simply superb. It’s not hard to see why Joel is a professional working actor. His singing voice was stunning, particularly his lower register and vibrato – wow! I really enjoyed his version of this iconic character, and he had a brilliant rapport with both Donkey and Fiona which is sometimes missed. Amazing!

The three Princess Fiona’s were also well cast in their roles. Ava Gordon-Butler was wonderful as the Young Fiona. Libby Robinson sang beautifully as Teen Fiona too. Fiona was played by professional actress Natasha J Barnes who not only showcased her excellent voice but great comic timing too. If I’m being picky (which let’s face it, I am), I would’ve preferred a little more energy in Natasha’s performance. I felt that Fiona was a little too laid back for me which made the energy drop a little. Saying that, her interpretation made her humour all the more sarcastic and wittier which really worked. ‘I Know It’s Today’ was beautifully sung by all three. ‘This is How Dreams Come True’ and ‘Morning Person’ were beautifully sung too!

Steven Coles played the role of Shrek’s ‘Ass’ Donkey. Steven had a lovely physicality that he brought and had some great one liners. This was a different interpretation to this role that I’ve never seen before, which I appreciated. I would’ve liked a little more energy and playfulness to contrast the grumpiness of Shrek but I’m being really picky again. Steven’s version of ‘Don’t Let Me Go’ was brilliantly sung.

Adam Goode as Lord Farquaad was brilliant to watch in every scene. I loved his interpretation of this character and Adam was VERY well cast in this role! ‘The Ballad of Farquaad’ was great too – a brilliant performance from Adam and a great showcase of stagecraft. One thing that slightly jarred was the way in which Adam opened his cape throughout which meant that we could see his real legs, however I’m not sure if this was intentional or not to add to the humour.

Jo Chapman displayed some lovely vocals as the Dragon, but I would’ve preferred to have seen her more, rather than hear her from backstage. Chris Barker as Pinocchio was excellent! I loved his line delivery and the way in which he used his voice, whilst having clear diction was wonderful – a brilliant performance! Tandie Stahl as Gingy was outstanding. A wonderful vocal performance with bundles of stage presence! There are far too many other characters for me to mention in this review and it would be unfair to single people out. I have to say that of all the versions I’ve seen, in this one, I heard new lines that I’ve never heard before – which is a testament to the diction and projection of voices of individual characters from the ensemble. The vocals in the whole company numbers were excellent and it's clear there is an abundance of talent in Curtain Call Productions! ‘Story of My Life’ and ‘Freak Flag’ were brilliantly performed!

Ensemble wise, I was highly impressed, and they were excellent in all thing’s theatre! It’s so important to have a strong ensemble in Shrek The Musical and Curtain Call Productions didn’t disappoint.

A huge well done on another great production. I thank Curtain Call Productions for their wonderful hospitality and wish them all the very best for their next production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in May 2023.

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